To the Contrary Season 20 Episode 34 December 16, 2011

To the Contrary is a weekly news analysis program that focuses on issues that affect women, hosted by Bonnie Erbé. In season 20 episode 34, which aired on December 16, 2011, the show explored several timely and important topics, including the impact of the recession on women, the epidemic of obesity in America, and the debate over contraception and religious freedom.

The opening segment of the show featured a panel discussion on the ways in which the recession had affected women, who disproportionately bore the brunt of job losses, home foreclosures, and other economic hardships. Panelists discussed the unique challenges that women faced in the job market, including age discrimination, unequal pay, and gender bias, as well as the need for policies that would support working mothers and help close the gender gap in wages and opportunities.

The second segment of the show focused on the obesity epidemic in America, which was rapidly becoming a major public health crisis. Panelists discussed the root causes of the problem, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and the prevalence of junk food and fast food in American culture. They also talked about the social and economic factors that contributed to the problem, including poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and the stigma and discrimination that many overweight people face. The segment concluded with a discussion of some of the policy solutions that could help address the epidemic, such as increased funding for nutrition and exercise programs in schools and communities.

The final segment of the show addressed the ongoing debate over contraception and religious freedom, which had become a major issue in the 2012 presidential election campaign. Panelists discussed the clash between the Catholic Church and the Obama administration over the contraception mandate in the Affordable Care Act, which required employers to provide insurance coverage for birth control to their employees. They also talked about the broader issues at stake, including the limits of religious freedom in a pluralistic society and the need for women to have access to affordable and effective contraceptive care.

Throughout the episode, the panelists brought a range of diverse perspectives and insights to bear on the complex issues that they were discussing. They tackled controversial and contentious topics with intelligence, empathy, and professionalism, generating thoughtful and nuanced conversations that shed light on the challenges facing women in America today. To the Contrary is a vital and groundbreaking show that provides a much-needed platform for women's voices and perspectives in the media.